Thirty-two-year old type 1 diabetic, Kimberley has been on dialysis for two-years, following the deterioration of her kidney function during pregnancy with her second child.
Her kidney function decreased rapidly during her pregnancy, which resulted in an emergency caesarean, and the premature delivery of her daughter weighing just 1lb 9 ounces.
Having been on the transplant waiting list for over a year, Kimberley’s older sister, Debra, came to the rescue to offer her kidney to save her little sisters life.
“She didn’t even have to ask – she is my little sister and I would do anything for her,” said Debra.
In a Freeman Hospital theatre, consultant urologist, Professor Naeem Soomro and the team delicately remove Debra’s healthy kidney which consultant transplant surgeon, Colin Wilson collects.
The kidney, which he affectionately calls ‘Cassandra’, travels 100 metres to theatre 5 where Kimberley is waiting.
“Kimberley has suffered with diabetes for many years, and the high sugar levels have caused damage to her organs. She is almost blind in her left eye,” he said.
“Kimberley’s sister is a good match. There is still a risk of severe complications, or rejection. But Debra is a good donor, we are looking for a successful outcome today.”
As Colin begins to cut through Kimberly’s stomach lining, he knows that this is not going to be an easy operation as he spots damage to an artery. It means he’s working against the clock to get the kidney transplanted but it’s a success!
“The joy of this moment is seeing the kidney coming to life,” he added.
Kimberley’s kidney is working well and she is enjoying life out and about with her family She describes how it ‘changed her life instantly’, leaving her feeling healthy with more energy to enjoy the simple things in life.
